I wish my noble friend Lord Bethl were here. As a former Health Minister, his experience is that Allen Carr is a firm
that does tremendous work in the field of smoking cessation. They produce
books and booklets that encourage people and inspire and facilitate people, if
you like, psychologically to stop smoking. They also run seminars and other
in-person group sessions. When I myself gave up smoking three years ago, it was
partly with the help of a copy of one of their books provided to me by my as a present
by my sister. They are also and this is perhaps the crucial factor one of the
four smoking different smoking cessation methods that are recommended by NICE [National
Institute for Health and Care Excellence], and not only recommended by NICE. The
guidelines for local smoking cessation services which receive government
funding say that there are four different smoking cessation methods that local
stop smoking services must ensure are accessible to adults who smoke. They are
behavioral interventions, medically licensed products including nicotine
replacements, nicotine containing ecigarettes and Allen Carr's easy way
in-person group seminar.
However it is the case that throughout the
country most smoking stop smoking services do not offer Allen Car's support as
one of those options and they go for the easy options, if you like, of nicotine replacement and ecigarettes. The
crucial difference is that if one goes if one stops smoking, if you like, in
the old-fashioned way one not only gives up cigarettes one gives up nicotine as
well. If as number of us find you do
move from cigarettes to vapes or other nicotine replacement devices then you may give up smoking and that
may be very good for you but you do not break the habit. You do not break the
addiction to nicotine but it's much easier for the local stop smoking services
to follow that path and encourage that path.
Additional information
Public funding for smoking cessation methods and
initiatives is crucial for promoting public health and reducing the overall
prevalence of smoking. Here are some effective methods and initiatives that
should be supported:
1. Counseling
Services:
·
Provide
access to professional counseling, either in-person or through hotlines, to
help individuals quit smoking.
·
Support
group therapy and behavioral therapy programs where people can share
experiences and strategies.
2. Nicotine
Replacement Therapy (NRT):
·
Fund
access to various forms of NRT, such as patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers, and
nasal sprays, to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
3. Prescription
Medications:
·
Cover
the cost of prescription medications like varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion
(Zyban), which can significantly aid in quitting smoking.
4. Public
Awareness Campaigns:
·
Support
large-scale media campaigns that educate the public about the dangers of
smoking and the benefits of quitting. This includes targeted campaigns for
specific demographics, such as youth or low-income populations.
5.
Smoking
Cessation Programs in Schools:
·
Implement
programs in schools that educate students about the risks of smoking and
provide resources for cessation.
6. Workplace
Initiatives:
·
Encourage
businesses to adopt smoke-free policies and provide support for employees who
want to quit, including access to cessation programs.
7. Community
Health Programs:
·
Fund
local health organizations to offer cessation programs tailored to specific
community needs, ensuring accessibility for diverse populations.
8.
Mobile
Apps and Online Resources:
·
Develop
and support digital tools, such as apps and websites, that provide information,
support, and tracking for individuals trying to quit smoking.
9. Research
and Evaluation:
·
Allocate
funds for research on the most effective smoking cessation methods and the
evaluation of current programs to improve their effectiveness.
10.
Support for Vulnerable Populations:
·
Tailor
initiatives to support specific groups at higher risk of smoking, such as
pregnant women, low-income individuals, and those with mental health issues.
By supporting these methods and initiatives with
public funds, governments can help individuals quit smoking, thereby improving
public health and reducing healthcare costs associated with smoking-related
illnesses.